Academics / Master's Program / Architectural Engineering and Sustainable Design Specialization
Eligibility and Admission
Students studying architectural engineering and sustainable design earn a master of science in civil engineering through Northwestern University's Graduate School. To be admitted to the MS program, the student must meet one of the following requirements:
- A BS degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering, OR
- A non-engineering degree with demonstrated coursework in design principles and proficiency in design software (e.g., Revit, Rhinoceros, AutoCAD).
These course requirements for admission may be met at Northwestern, but credits from these courses cannot be applied to the graduate degree. In addition, each applicant must meet the usual requirements of The Graduate School and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
MS Degree requirements
The program includes 12 courses in addition to the Built Environment Professional Development Seminar Series - CIV_ENV 512-1/2/3 (zero credit). The 3 core courses, spanning over three quarters, are compulsory. At least 3 courses from the “Sustainability Cores” are mandatory. Students can choose the other 6 courses from the “Sustainability Cores” or the other approved electives in the two focus areas. Only up to 3 courses can be picked from the Sustainability+ focus. The MS Thesis Option includes 9 courses + 3 quarters of research with a thesis (CIV ENV 499 is graded, whereas CIV ENV 590 is not and is only used for continuing research purposes). If choosing this track, students cannot pick the courses from the “Sustainability+” focus.
2026 MS Curriculum Plan